Fenix vs Olight (2024) Which Produces the Best Flashlights?

Last Updated on October, 2024

Fenix and Olight have been two of the most successful brands in this highly competitive flashlight market. That’s why a majority of our reviews have their flashlights.

But what if someone asked the question — which brand is better?

It’s a good question for someone who is looking for the absolute best solution.

This review focuses on answering those questions based on nothing but performance.

So, if you’ve been wondering which brand is better out of Fenix and Olight, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get started!

Quick Summary

Fenix is a flashlight brand based in China that has a large presence in the US market.

Olight is another flashlight brand based in China that operates in the US, founded two years after Fenix.

Both Brands produce a variety of flashlights, including tactical, EDC, headlamps, and camping-hiking lights. Fenix mainly produces rechargeable lights, while Olight focuses on innovation and user experience.

About Fenix

Fenix is a flashlight brand based in Shenzhen, China, that operates on a large scale in the United States. Their primary audience is US-based, and that’s why Fenix is such a famous flashlight brand in the USA.

Fenix has been playing an innovative role in the flashlight industry since 2005. It’s impressive given their dominance in the US market.

With a wide variety of flashlight shipping worldwide, Fenix continues to retain and expand its loyal customer base as you are reading this.

About Olight

Olight was founded two years after Fenix, that is, in 2007. During their tenure in the flashlight industry so far, Olight has been able to bag 1,300,000+ loyal customers worldwide with 1000+ authoritative certifications and patents.

Similar to Fenix, Olight is based in Shenzhen, China, and operates in Georgia, United States. So, both of these brands bring premium tech quality to their flashlights. 

Olight dominates the flashlight industry just as much as Fenix at a glance. But you will realize which brand is better for you as you read through.

So, what types of devices do each brand make?

The Types of Flashlights Each Brand Make

Fenix produces almost all of its flashlights adhering to series types like popular vehicle brands. But it’s safe to say they tend to make traditional UI-based flashlights that are familiar to most people.

Fenix produces some of the finest tactical flashlights, EDC lights, headlamps, hiking-camping lights, and accessories. 

What’s most impressive is that almost all of these are rechargeable lights. 

Olight, on the other hand, are very innovative. There are new features in each flashlight that increase the user experience. 

During their tenure, Olight has produced memorable everyday carry flashlights. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have an impressive store full of tactical and camping-hiking flashlights, including headlamps.

But both companies manufacture reliable and cost-effective devices. You can search for potential products on their official websites easily.

With that in your mind, let’s check what factors you should check in buying a flashlight.

Factors to Consider in Buying Flashlights

Type

When you’re about to buy a flashlight, you know there’s a specific need you want to be fulfilled. For example, it could be for everyday use or outdoor use, or it could also be for work.

You could use a tactical light for everyday work. But you’re highly likely to be disappointed by expecting agility from EDC lights for tactical work.

The main difference is none other than the features. 

That’s why balancing the flashlight’s type (categorized by the manufacturer) with your needs is essential.

Build Quality

Build quality is the primary feature that decides how long the flashlight will last. Naturally, titanium flashlights last the longest, although they are a bit expensive. Then comes the premium aluminum ones.

After that comes the ergonomic design features that increase performance. For example, a cooling system or design features that promote heat dissipation protect the devices better.

The other important thing is having resistance capacity. Almost all Fenix and Olight products have an IP waterproof rating and impact resistance. Your flashlight must have these features.

Balance Between Dimensions and Weight 

However, this doesn’t mean that you should replace a quality EDC flashlight with a keychain light. The key is to find the balance.

Lumen Output, Modes, and Beam Distance

Brightness is a vital feature of any flashlight. But a bright flashlight doesn’t necessarily mean that it performs the best. Why so?

Modern flashlights let you choose the lumen output. For example, when the highest light output is about 1000 lumens, the modes should allow you to go all the way to 1% of the highest output. So, the lowest method ideally should be 10lm.

It’s always better to have special modes. These special modes fulfill specific needs. For example, the strobe mode is typically used as a defensive tool.

Remember to check the corresponding beam distance for each mode too.

Presence or Absence of Rechargeable Batteries With Battery Life

Having batteries that can be recharged is a relief with these kind of devices. But replaceable rechargeable batteries are better than built-in batteries. But there’s nothing wrong with running a flashlight with standard Li-Ion batteries.

In addition, be sure to check the method of recharging. It could be done by Micro USB or USB C charging ports or another method.

The last vital factor is the duration it takes to charge a battery fully. You must evaluate all these factors for the best value.

But how do these factors vary in the Olight Vs. Fenix arena? That’s up next!

Build Quality

We already talked about the types of flashlights Fenix and Olight make before. So, what comes up next is the build quality.

Build quality is usually assessed based on the material and design features.

As mentioned, Fenix tends to stay within comfortable boundaries when making their devices. Olight, on the other hand, wants to break the rules and innovate. But most of both brands make their devices from aerospace-grade aluminum. 

The reason is the lightweight resilience of the material. Fenix feature type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finishes, whereas Olight stops at the anodization.

But unlike Fenix, Olight wants to go that extra mile for its customers. That’s why you’d find limited edition gold or titanium versions of Olight devices.

However, both Fenix and Olight feature IP waterproof ratings. The IP rating is very standardized and provides information on the flashlight’s safety against dust and water. 

Both brands feature at least 1m impact resistance for their devices.

Conclusion: Fenix and Olight bring almost equal and very high build quality.

Lighting Aspects

The golden rule among flashlight enthusiasts is that the brightest device is not the best flashlight, but the best flashlight sure has a decently bright light.

Fenix and Olight try their best to give complete control to the user. This lets you increase and decrease the light depending on the situation. 

For example, you wouldn’t want to use a super-bright 1000lm light if a 1lm light would keep the path illuminated while keeping your presence unnoticeable in hunting trips. You wouldn’t want your prey to see you coming.

One great example of this lighting modes aspect is the Fenix LR40R which features 11 lighting modes. On the other hand, Olight’s X9R features nine lighting modes. 

But you also need to consider how easy it is to switch between each mode. Some best flashlights come with a dual-switch system. The tail light lets you access the highest and strobe modes, and you can switch between other brightness levels by the side switch.

The other lighting aspect factor is the quality of light.

Fenix continues to use LUMINUS LED, which is of high quality. For example, the FENIX PD35 V3.0 uses Luminus SFT40, and the PD36R PRO uses Luminus SFT70.

Olight, on the other hand, uses CW LED. The new model Olight Baton 3 and Baton 3 Pro are examples of that.

Both Fenix and Olight TIR optics increase the light’s quality. The Fenix GL19R and Olight Baton 3 Pro are examples that justify that.

Conclusion: Comparing Olight VS Fenix, both brands are elite in equivalent levels.

Batteries and Battery Runtime

Almost all of the Olight products use proprietary batteries. Usually, these are 18650 and one of them is enough for their flashlights.

But you can’t use typical 21700 or 18650 batteries in the newest Olight products.

Olight uses its own proprietary charging system, MCC magnetic charging, just as much as its proprietary batteries. Because of that, you can’t use typical USB-C or micro USB cables to charge your flashlight.

Because it’s magnetic charging, you don’t need to plug a USB jack in. That’s another main difference between the two brands.

Is this a bad thing?

Absolutely not.

Olight wants you to experience the supreme quality of the market, and that’s corporate integrity. These charging cables increase the battery quality and save you a little fortune in the long run.

Fenix, on the other hand, is simpler. They run on typical lithium-ion batteries. You can replace them whenever you want from your local store. In addition, Fenix usually have a USB port built into them. These are either USB-C or micro USB.

So, there’s that convenience factor when using lights by Fenix.

When it comes to runtime, Olight is clearly ahead. For example, their all-new Baton 3 pro has an impressive runtime of 150 days in the lowest mode. Fenix, on the flip side, varies between the 100-150 hours range. But 120 days or close is yet to be achieved.

Conclusion: Fenix flashlights might be easier to use in terms of batteries and charging. But Olight typically has the longest battery life.

Carrying Convenience

Balancing the weight and dimensions promotes handling convenience. But how many flashlight users think about the carrying convenience?

For example, both Fenix and Olight come with clips. They help you to attach the device to your pants pocket, jacket, or backpack. 

But there’s a difference between the brands.

Fenix feature a regular one-way pocket clip. This is the type of clip that is typically seen in products. But Olight is an innovative flashlight brand. That’s why you’d notice that their flashlight clip is dual-directional or two-way. 

The two-way clip helps you attach the device with increased safety. Sometimes, the Olight clips are longer than the Fenix clips.

The cherry on top is the magnetic L-stand seen in new Olight flashlights. That lets you fix the flashlight to metallic surfaces easier. That makes it easy to store and carry.

These come free of charge, so there’s no impact on the product’s final cost.

Conclusion: In comparison, the Olight flashlight has a battery-carrying convenience. But Fenix flashlights do have sufficient carrying convenience.

Best Flashlight From Each Company 

Fenix PD35 V3.0 and Olight X9R are the two lights at the very top. Let’s check them out.

From Fenix – PD35 V3.0

The PD35 V3.0 features six lighting modes. The highest output is 1700lm in the Turbo mode at a beam throw of 357m. The lowest Eco mode features 5lm light for 230h. You also get a powerful strobe mode.

Here’s how each level changes,

These numbers are as good as it gets with a Fenix EDC flashlight.

You get the ARB-L18-2600U Li-ion battery in the package, along with a micro USB charging cable, holster, lanyard, and spare O-ring.

A battery level indicator is very important when dealing with flashlights. That’s why Fenix has integrated a battery level indicator into the PD35 V3.0

Durability is certified with an IP68 waterproof rating and 1m impact resistance.

So, all things considered, the PD35 V3.0 is the best Fenix flashlight right now.

From Olight – X9R

The lowest mode features 200lm, and the longest runtime is 27 hours.

It comes with eight light settings, amongst which you can switch with a side button, and here’s how they differ,

This high-performing flashlight’s light is very clear thanks to its orange-peel reflector.

You don’t have to worry about the X9R’s resilience as it comes with 1m impact resistance and an IPX7 waterproof rating.

The flashlight is a beast with all the other requirements, making it the best Olight flashlight right now.

What Do Customers Think of Each?

Here’s a piece of advice that comes in handy when buying a flashlight.

Don’t believe the rating of any device listed on their website. Almost all the time, it’ll be a solid 5/5, which is untrue. After all, it’s their website, and they can post whatever they want.

But it’s not the same with trustworthy sources such as Trustpilot and Amazon.

Olight has 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot from 2000+ ratings. On the other hand, Fenix has 3.2/5 stars from less than ten ratings. 

Which is Better With Warranty?

Electronic products are better when they come with a warranty. But some flashlight companies only provide you with months or no more than two years of warranties.

Olight, on the flip side, provides you with an impressive 10-year warranty period for all of their lights unless mentioned. The company has been reputed to maintain fantastic customer service for years. After all, Olight operates on a large scale in the US, so there’s no problem with claiming a warranty.

Fenix offers a limited lifetime warranty, and that has changed the game. There are occasions where some terms and conditions are relevant. But Fenix is one of the few companies that provide you with a lifetime warranty for their lights.

So, as a matter of fact, Fenix is definitely better with a warranty.

You can also checkout the best flashlight brands that create top-quality flashlights.

In Conclusion 

When you read through this Olight vs. Fenix review, one key idea keeps repeating: both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, this isn’t like comparing the world’s best flashlight company with a mid-level company. Both companies are pretty amazing. So, which is better?

Both companies are more or less equally as good as each other. The key is to identify your requirements and fulfill them accordingly. That way, you’ll have the best pick suiting your personal preference.

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